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It is often said that if you want a job done, assign it to a busy person.

In that case, the Skagit County Historical Society couldn’t have found a more qualified candidate to preside over its board of trustees.

Local attorney Pat Paul, known for wearing many hats – including as food editor for the La Conner Weekly News – was elected earlier in October to chair the historical society’s governing panel, which administers policies designed to preserve Skagit County’s cultural heritage. She has been a trustee for two years.

Paul, an Alaska Native of the Inupiaq Tribe, has resided in the La Conner area for more than four decades.

In addition to her law practice, which specializes in business and estate planning, Paul writes a food column for the Weekly News; serves as business manager for K. Paul Carvings on Swinomish Reservation, which features the work of her husband, master carver Kevin Paul; sits as a judge on the three-member Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Appeals Court; and is a member of the historical society’s publications committee. She also recently organized a major book drive for schools in the southern African nation of Lesotho.

Paul is excited to have an expanded role with the historical society.

“This has been a great experience with a wonderful group of professionals who truly care about this institution,” she said in a social media post. “They all put their best foot forward, treat each other with respect and work well together.”

Paul well knows the value of hard work. After earning an associate degree in 1981 at Shoreline Community College, she completed work on a bachelor’s degree from Antioch University. She received her law degree from Seattle University in 1998.

She also holds a certificate in Innovations in Governance from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Among those lauding Paul’s selection to lead the board is Skagit County Historical Museum Director Jo Wolfe.

“We are very excited to have Patricia as our board president,” Wolfe told the Weekly News. “She has been an extremely active board member over the past two years and we are looking forward to working more closely with her as board president.”

The feeling is mutual.

“I am committed to public service,” said Paul, “and the historical society and museum is a good fit. The history of our area is fascinating.”

Three new members were also elected to the historical society’s board of trustees. They are Dan Berentson, Dave Granstrom and La Conner High alum Anita Roozen. Sara Patton and John Kamb, Jr. have retired from the board.